Purple Mountain (Zijin Mountain) Nanjing
Nanjing's Purple Mountain offers a majestic blend of imperial history and natural splendor, with iconic mausoleums and scenic trails.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Stunning scenery, fewer crowds
Purple Mountain (Zijin Mountain) Nanjing
Best Time
Stunning scenery, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Nanjing's Purple Mountain offers a majestic blend of imperial history and natural splendor, with iconic mausoleums and scenic trails.
"A great way to escape the bustling city and just enjoy the peace and quiet on the mountaintop."
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking! Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring the vast mountain trails.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. There are snack shops, but carrying your own water is wise.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum
Eastern slope of Purple Mountain
A grand monument to the 'Father of Modern China,' offering historical insights and impressive architecture.
Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum
Northern foot of Purple Mountain
The tomb of the Hongwu Emperor, founder of the Ming Dynasty, featuring a majestic spirit way.
Bo'ai Pavilion
Purple Mountain
Adorned with beautiful crape myrtle, this pavilion offers a serene spot to enjoy nature's beauty.
Purple Mountain Observatory
Summit of Purple Mountain
Discover astronomical wonders and enjoy panoramic views of Nanjing from this historic site.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Navigating the Mountain
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking! Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring the vast mountain trails.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. There are snack shops, but carrying your own water is wise.
⏰ Consider Off-Peak Hours
Entry is free before 6 AM or after 6 PM, a popular tip for students to avoid crowds and fees.
🛵 Rent an E-Motorcycle
Save energy and cover more ground by renting an electric motorcycle to navigate the mountain.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking! Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring the vast mountain trails.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. There are snack shops, but carrying your own water is wise.
⏰ Consider Off-Peak Hours
Entry is free before 6 AM or after 6 PM, a popular tip for students to avoid crowds and fees.
🛵 Rent an E-Motorcycle
Save energy and cover more ground by renting an electric motorcycle to navigate the mountain.
🗺️ Ask for Directions
Signage can be inaccurate. Don't hesitate to ask locals for the best routes to your desired destinations.
📸 Capture the Scenery
The mountain offers breathtaking views, especially during sunrise. Bring your camera!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Purple Mountain for its rich historical significance, particularly the Sun Yat-sen and Ming Xiaoling Mausoleums, and its stunning natural beauty. Many enjoy the hiking opportunities and the escape from the city. However, some note that signage can be inaccurate, and one full day might not be enough to explore everything.
"Great place to experience history. Location of some important sites like the ming xiaoling mausoleum and sun yat sen mausoleum. The walk going to the top is long but not that hard. If you get tired you can rent electric motorcycles and there are also buses you can ride."
John Lorenz Panotes
"Huge mountain very suitable for hikers , astonishing view , there is many entrance to go up , the sign there is not that accurate tho , better to ask people the route , I have taken three entrance route it took me approximately 1.5h ,2.5h , 4h each . I highly reccommend going during the winter , so beautiful . Many museum up there i remember vividly some of the small museum doesn't have english translation . One whole day is definately not enough if planning to explore by foot . Some of the path needs entrance fee , however before 6am or after 6pm is entrance free ( that's what uni students do ) Very convenient taking metro ."
Cherry Kam
"Beautiful adventure in nature. Take lots of water. A lot of walking bit worth the walk."
Minxys Cut
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Purple Mountain is easily accessible by metro. Take Line 2 to Muxuyuan Station or Minggugong Station, which are convenient starting points for exploring the mountain.
Yes, there are parking facilities available, though they can fill up quickly during peak times. Consider public transport if possible.
Taxis are readily available in Nanjing and can take you directly to various entrances of Purple Mountain. It's a convenient option if you prefer door-to-door service.
Yes, there are bus services that operate within Purple Mountain, connecting various attractions. This is a more budget-friendly option than taxis.
While many areas involve walking, there are buses and electric motorcycles for rent that can help navigate the mountain. Some historical sites may have limited accessibility.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The mountain itself is generally free to enter, but specific attractions within the mountain, such as mausoleums and museums, may require separate entrance fees.
Opening hours vary for each attraction. The Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum typically opens around 8:30 AM and closes by 5 PM. It's best to check the specific hours for each site you plan to visit.
Yes, you can enter the mountain area for free before 6 AM or after 6 PM. However, access to specific ticketed attractions will still require a valid ticket during their operating hours.
Tickets for most attractions can be purchased at their respective entrances. It's advisable to buy them early in the day, especially for popular sites like the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum.
Information on combo tickets can be limited. It's best to inquire at the visitor centers or individual attraction ticket booths upon arrival for any available package deals.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
A full day is recommended if you plan to explore extensively on foot and visit multiple attractions. Even then, one day might not be enough to see everything.
There are various trails catering to different fitness levels. The routes to the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum and Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum are popular and well-maintained.
Yes, there are snack shops and even a KFC on the mountaintop offering coffee and sandwiches. However, options can be limited, so consider bringing your own snacks.
While official rules might restrict cycling on some roads, many visitors do cycle. You might need to lift your bike over barriers, but security is often lenient.
Purple Mountain is home to significant historical sites including the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, and the Purple Mountain Observatory.
📸 📸 Photography
The Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, the spirit way of Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, and scenic viewpoints offering panoramic city views are excellent for photography. Sunrise also provides beautiful light.
Drone usage is generally restricted in and around historical sites and national parks in China. It's advisable to check local regulations before attempting to fly a drone.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a more atmospheric glow. Sunrise can be particularly stunning.
During the blooming season, the crape myrtle around Bo'ai Pavilion offers beautiful floral photo opportunities. The changing autumn leaves also create picturesque scenes.
Photography rules vary by attraction. Inside the mausoleums themselves, photography is often prohibited to preserve the artifacts and historical integrity.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack plenty of snacks and water, as food options can be limited and spread out. Look for the open spaces where kids can run around and enjoy the fresh air. While some paths require significant walking, the overall experience can be a fun and memorable adventure for the whole family.
🚶 Budget Travelers
While specific mausoleums and museums have entrance fees, prioritize the ones that interest you most. Pack your own food and water to save on costs, as on-site options can be pricier. Hiking is free and offers the best way to experience the natural beauty and historical sites without additional expenses.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through History
Nearby, the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum offers a glimpse into imperial China. This UNESCO World Heritage site is the tomb of the Hongwu Emperor, the founder of the Ming Dynasty. The impressive Spirit Way, lined with stone statues of animals and officials, is a highlight, evoking the grandeur of ancient imperial processions. Exploring these sites provides a profound connection to China's past.
Beyond these major landmarks, the mountain is dotted with smaller museums and historical markers, though some may lack English translations, making it beneficial to research beforehand or go with a guide.
Exploring Nature's Beauty
For those who enjoy an active experience, the mountain is ideal for hiking, running, and even cycling. The well-maintained roads and numerous trails cater to various fitness levels. Visitors can rent electric motorcycles to cover more ground, or opt for the scenic cable car for a quicker ascent and panoramic views. The Bo'ai Pavilion, often adorned with crape myrtle, is a particularly picturesque spot to pause and appreciate the natural surroundings.
While the mountain is beautiful in any season, many recommend visiting during winter for its unique charm and fewer crowds. The crisp air and potential for frost can create a magical atmosphere, making the historical sites even more evocative.
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